Community Planning & Economic Development

MacPhail Center for Music

Location: Second Street South and Fifth Avenue South

Status: Completed in 2008

Objective: The
MacPhail Center for Music is the latest cultural facility to enliven the ongoing revitalization of the historic Mills District in downtown Minneapolis. Adding evening and weekend music classes and concerts to the dynamic mix of residential, office and commercial uses, the MacPhail Center is also a unique architectural landmark.

Description: The award-winning design of the new MacPhail Center reflects the guidelines in the Update to the
Historic Mills District Master Plan. The $27 million project consists of a 58,000 square foot building with a 250 seat performance hall, informal indoor and outdoor performance spaces, and 57 practice rooms. For more than 80 years, MacPhail Center for Music has been nationally renowned for arts and music education, in particular for its programs for children. This striking new facility promotes public and community partnerships that enhance Minneapolis as the premier regional center for education and arts.

Partners: The City of Minneapolis acquired this block in 1992. MacPhail Center was the final phase of development, which also includes an office building, condominium townhomes and a parking ramp. The City provided $11.8 million in Tax-exempt Revenue Bonds, the State of Minnesota provided a $5 million grant, and numerous partners contributed approximately $10 million in charitable contributions for acquisition, construction and equipping the new facility. The development team included: James Dayton Design, Ltd.; Nelson, Tietz and Hoye, Inc.; M.A. Mortenson Company; US Bank; Faegre and Benson, LLP; Lindquist and Vennum, PLLP; and Piper Jaffray and Company.